“It did.”
“Now?”
Well, yeah, what about now? “Still sucks sometimes, but never having the threat of returning to live under their roof makes a tremendous difference in my stress levels.”
“Do you have siblings?”
Flynn expected her interrogation to annoy him, but it didn’t. “Technically, no. But I have five foster brothers.”
“That’s, wow. That’s a lot.”
He was used to hearing that. “Non-profit that runs a boys’ house and a girls’ house, and employs house parents. Not quite the same as living in their home, so there’s more of us at a time.” When Bristowe didn't speak, he looked over at her. What he found was her staring at him. “What?”
“I guess I read you wrong, which kind of bothers me. I’m good at figuring people out from the get go. You know, seeing as it’s part of my job.”
Now he was curious. “How did you peg me?”
“What you show on the surface. Blue-collar, hard worker, light drinker. Loner.”
“That’s all I let anyone see.”
Pursing her lips, she nodded. “Yeah, I get that now. And I see why you would.”
“It’s easier that way, doll.”
“So what’s there to give your life meaning?”
He didn't need time to consider his answer. “My brothers.”
“They’re not your responsibility.”
“Yes, they are.” Tilting his head, he made sure she was still focused on him. It felt very important for her to know upfront. “They are my family—my everything—and they always will be.”
“Maybe I get that. Not completely, but I can see it. However, I mean what’s left for you. What does Flynn get out of life?”
Fair question, but he didn't have an answer. He worked, he slept, he looked after his brothers. And sometimes he read. Other than the occasional fuck with a stranger, he had no dating history. “I guess that’s it.”
“That doesn't seem fair.”
He snorted. “Haven't you heard? Life’s not fair.”
